On the edge of the City Palace in Jaipur, structured in red and pink sandstone, is the renowned Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of Winds’. In 1799, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh agreed to its beehive -like exterior with 953 small windows, known as Jharokhas, as designed by Lal Chand Ustad.

Keeping in mind the strict ‘purdah’ system of the society, the palace was build in such a manner that the royal ladies could view the everyday lives of the mass and enjoy the festive colours and lights of Gangaur and other celebrations, and at the same time remain veiled by the lattice works. Adorned with coloured glass work and intricate chambers, this five-storey pyramidal shaped monument rises 50 feet from its high base. Rajput and Mughal architecture blends herein and holds out perfection of miniature art, as disclosed by its splendid facade in the big four square, in the south of the Jaipur City. Hues to sunrise and sunset make it more alluring to the eyes.

The labyrinth interior has fountains and a good aeration setting, while the exterior has astonishing precision. This monument stands erect, holding the grandeur of its rulers and their architectural esteem.

Visit Jaipur, visit Rajasthan!